Predictors of Support for Juvenile Sex Offender Registration: Educated Individuals Recognize the Flaws of Juvenile Registration

• NCJ Number: 245124
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 22 Issue: 2 Dated: 2013 Pages: 231-254
• Author(s): Margaret C. Stevenson; Amy C. Smith; Ady Sekely; Katlyn S. Farnum
• Date Published: 2013
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated demographic predictors of support for juvenile sex offender registration policies.

Abstract

The authors investigated demographic predictors of support for juvenile sex offender registration policies, including education level, gender, political orientation, and age. Participants were 168 individuals recruited from public places in a Midwest community (45 percent women; M age = 42). In line with hypotheses, as education level increased, support for juvenile registration decreased, as did the belief that juvenile registration protects the community. In addition, as education level increased, belief that the juvenile understood his actions decreased, as did support for juvenile registration when it is framed as ineffective at reducing sex crime. These beliefs mediated the relationship between education level and diminished support for juvenile registration. Implications of these results for the advancement of effective juvenile sex offender policy are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.